2 Corinthians 11:5, Paul’s Credentials

But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”

//It’s interesting to examine why Paul considers himself an apostle when he wasn’t one of the Twelve. We don’t know exactly who the “super-apostles” are that Paul references in today’s verse, but it may have had more to do with charisma than credentials. As Paul claims in the next verse, “I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge!”

So, Paul embarks on a challenge to show himself worthy of apostleship, too. Appearing rather embarrassed about the whole episode, he stoops to bragging: “Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast.” And what did Paul boast about? Why did he think himself worthy? Here is the basis of his three-fold argument:

[1] In the second half of 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul lists his sufferings as an apostle: imprisonments, floggings, stoning, shipwrecks.

[2] In the first part of chapter 12, Paul says “I must go on boasting … I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.” So he tells of the day he was caught up to paradise, hearing there inexpressible things which he dare not (or cannot) mention.

[3] In order to keep Paul from becoming conceited about his special revelation, God gave him a thorn in his flesh. There is considerable speculation between scholars about just what Paul’s “thorn” was, but it seems to have been obvious to his readers, or he would not have mentioned it among his credentials. (This leads me to believe that the trendy idea of Paul’s “thorn” being a homosexual tendency is way off base).

Finished with his three-fold argument, Paul again insists in verse 12:11 that he is not in the least inferior to the super-apostles.

Fantasy Football, Anyone?

Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.

The River of Life

Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.

The Way It Happened

What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.

(Bloggers: you may be eligible for a free review copy! Just contact us.)

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Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
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